Speaking of things you might not want to hear Dave, I had my gallbladder removed in 2007. Went in for day surgery and was supposed to be done laparoscopically. Ended up in surgery for 9 hours after the surgeon severed my artery while removing the camera. I lost five pints before they managed to stop the bleeding!!
I ended up in hospital for 5 days recovering from that and I now have a rather large scar across my chest.
I can't even claim for negligence!!

I'm sure that won't happen to you though................

To be honest, that doesn`t phase me at all, and yes, there are always risks with any operations, and if you trawl the web, you will always read about a higher percentage of negatives (as you have kindly posted) when compared with the majority of positive operations that have successfully taken place, as people will always shout endlessly about their bad experiences whilst the silent majority usually lie back and say "that wasnt so bad" when it goes well. It is very unfortunate that yours went wrong though, I`m thankfull that you were kind enough to make me aware of some of the risks involved, but I am more relieved that you have made a full recovery from it, as I would not wish that upon anyone.
But surely there is a far bigger risk in ignorance or worrying endlessly about it - surgeons are qualified, but the preverbial will always hit the fan at some point.
I was told on many occasions by female Nurses, that stuck gallstones are just about the most painfull experience that you can have, and any women who says that childbirth is worse . . . Has never had two large stuck gallstones.
So that kinda clinches it for me . . .
If only I could find a scalpel and a mirror
